The notice comes immediately on the heels of a startling recommendation from consultant Kaufman Hall & Associates, Inc. that the hospitals go with separate lessees in order to break their gridlock. The West Jefferson board wants Louisiana Children's Medical Center to take both hospitals while the East Jefferson General Hospital board wants to go with Hospital Corp. of America, even if it means splitting the hospital leases.

Kaufman Hall's recommendation incensed Roberts, who insisted that the firm has previously said the hospitals should stick together. Roberts said in a text message Wednesday night that he wants to sue the firm to recover fees paid under its $1.3 million contract.

Roberts told colleagues in an email message on Wednesday night that he will schedule a vote once Jefferson Parish Inspector General David McClintock confirms that the hospitals have responded to a report he issued in September concerning the lease process. McClintock has extended the deadline for responses to Nov. 11.

Roberts said a majority of council members have indicated they are ready to vote.